The Dutchess - Ojai, California

Tim B.

Good for the vibes but not worth the hype for the food quality and price. Noting that there is a required 4% health surcharge, which brings down the rating from a 3 to 2, as many consumers protest against such charges even as the menu prices have seen notable increases since 2022 into 2025.

The fried chicken sando ($22) and red lentil and rice bowl ($17) were just OK at best. (The chicken sando was about $17 only a year or two ago.)

The inside is very aesthetic, and the outside is very nice too, so it’s a nice place to try but just that.

John A.

Best bakery in Ventura County! Restaurant is great for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Vibe is super relaxed. Service people are having fun, which is nice to see! Heartily recommend coffee drinks, pastries and breads... And enjoying a sit down meal on the back patio.

Daniel M.

The Duchess in Ojai is a cute spot, but $2.50 for homemade almond milk? I get it, it’s Ojai, but seriously? The pastries were… fine. The hazelnut roll was probably the best, but it wouldn’t start a fan club. We tried a few, and while nothing rocked our world, the vibe is perfect if you want to sit around with a book and maybe get some light work done. We snagged a seat, and of course, the second we sat down, a line formed out the door. If you’re in Ojai, it’s worth a stop..just remember, it’s almond milk, not liquid gold.

R K.

Morning pastries are good- especially their danishes, but I'm not danish so please take my praise with a grain of salt.

The fried chicken sandwich for brunch slaps. Egg sandwich is okay. Coffee is decent. Weekend mornings get crowded.

Dinner - our server was amazing and recommended all absolute bangers.
Naan 10/10 was baked perfectly.
Crispy rice salad 10/10- is acidic and bright, perfect to eat with any curries or main entrees that could feel heavy.
Rock cod with coconut 9.5/10 had an amazing crispy skin.
Lamb masala was the star! 12/10 So soft and tender.

Best meal we had in Ojai easily.

Alysha C.

Pricey but worth it imo! Everything was delicious. I have nothing bad to say. Pictured are the egg sando, crispy potatoes, and cucumber raita. You can also look at the pastry case and let your server know what you want (pictured from case are the everything bagel breakfast sandwich and croissant).

Link L.

Went on a day trip to Ojai and started with the Dutchess for pastries. We got to try the danishes with strawberry pistachios and with heirloom tomato. I immediately felt in love with the texture of the Danish and thought they were the best Danish I've ever had. The pastries were layered and crispy, and the heirloom tomatoes added an amazing lightness to it.

So we decided to go back to Dutchess later for dinner because their menu with the Indian/Burmese influences looked promising, but that's where we went wrong.

We had naan, crispy chickpea fritters, tea leave salad, and half chicken masala. Starting with the decent, the naan was not bad, and the garlic herb butter makes it enjoyable.

The fritters were fried nicely, but the chickpea filling was paste-y and did not have a pleasant texture. We were thinking that they would be similar to a falafel, I was way off base.

Then onto the half chicken. While the cook on the half chicken was good with crispy skin and moist chicken breast The masala sauce would make any Indian food lover mad. The flavors are sorely lacking, especially the salt component. I think the level of flavor intensity may be adjusted to the locale, but ultimately, the depth of the sauce is so shallow, it should not be allowed to have any ties to any south east Asian cuisine.

Lastly, I love tea leaf salads, and the one here is bad. Overly sour, and the bitterness of the tea leave is not balanced. It's like Someone read the recipe, got the ingredients, but did not see the proportions.

I would definitely stick to neighborhood Indian and Burmese restaurants instead of spending fine dining dollars at Dutchess. It makes me sad if someone was to come here without knowing much about Southeast Asian food, and think that's what is like.

But, the danishes are definitely a must. So, I would recommend doing the bakery only.

Noam B.

The Dutchess. A chicken stick in a bun

A very local coffee shop with beautiful and tasty pastry's. After visiting 3 or 4 times and enjoying the pastry's I decided to get a chicken sandwich that was recommended. it was a Disappointing experience. The flavor was good but the chicken was stringy not the right texture. And the proportion of the protein to the brioche bun was funny... not worth the $ amount of a chicken stick in a bun

Parking -3/5*
Accessibility -3/5*
Atmosphere - 4/5*
Clean - 4/5*
Restrooms - 3.5/5*
Service - 4/5*
Food visually -3.5/5*
Food taste -4/5*
Food freshness -3/5*
Price - 2/5*

3.5 stars

Erin P.

The Dutchess Restaurant is a culinary gem that stands out for its exceptional service, elegant ambiance, and innovative menu. From the moment you step inside, the restaurant exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, with its tastefully designed decor creating a perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience.

The menu at The Dutchess is a delightful fusion of classic and contemporary flavors, showcasing fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each dish is meticulously prepared and presented, reflecting the chef's creativity and commitment to excellence. Whether you're indulging perfectly cooked ingredients or savoring a beautifully crafted dessert, the attention to detail is evident in every bite.

The staff at The Dutchess are attentive and knowledgeable, providing impeccable service that enhances the overall experience. Their recommendations are spot-on, and their genuine enthusiasm adds a personal touch to your meal.

In summary, The Dutchess Restaurant offers a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience that leaves a lasting impression. It's a place where exceptional food, outstanding service, and a refined atmosphere come together seamlessly.